US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by threatening tariffs on countries opposing his ambition to annex Greenland. In a meeting at the White House, Trump suggested import taxes might be imposed on nations not supporting his plan, though he didn't specify which countries may be targeted or the legal basis for such actions.

This potential move comes amid widespread international opposition. Greenland, a self-governing territory under Denmark, has seen increased attention due to its strategic location and resources. A bipartisan US delegation is currently in Greenland, expressing support and discussing the implications of Trump's territorial ambitions.

The group, comprising Democratic and moderate Republican lawmakers, met with leaders from Denmark and Greenland. Senator Chris Coons, who was leading the delegation, emphasised understanding local concerns and easing tensions. Despite this, Trump asserts Greenland is essential for US national security, suggesting acquisition either through purchase or force.

Greenland's strategic location between North America and the Arctic makes it crucial for military operations and early warning systems. The US maintains a significant military presence there, particularly at the Pituffik military base. However, Trump claims full ownership is necessary to protect against Russian or Chinese threats adequately.

Denmark has warned that aggressive US actions could jeopardise NATO's unity, which relies on mutual aid among member nations during attacks. European allies, including France and Germany, back Denmark, underscoring the Arctic's importance and advocating for a collective NATO security strategy involving the US.

Amid these tensions, several European countries have deployed reconnaissance missions in Greenland, reinforcing regional security claims. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated plans to send more military resources to the area. The US delegation's visit follows failed diplomatic efforts in Washington to alter Trump's stance.

Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz expressed optimism after meeting US legislators, highlighting the importance of international alliances. However, she acknowledged ongoing challenges and the evolving situation. Meanwhile, bipartisan efforts in the US Congress aim to block any attempts to annex Greenland.

US envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, suggested talks with Greenland's leaders could lead to a deal acceptable to all parties, despite Denmark's cautious stance. Discussions between Denmark, Greenland, and White House officials continue, yet the threat of military action has not been directly addressed.

The Danish government remains vigilant about Trump's declared intentions, preparing for potential outcomes based on his statements. Meanwhile, internal US political divisions continue, with mixed legislative approaches toward the Greenland issue, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways

• Trump threatens tariffs against countries not supporting Greenland's acquisition.

• Denmark and its European allies caution against destabilising NATO relations.

• US congressional delegation seeks diplomatic solutions amid ongoing tensions.

Related Stories:

Greenland PM Rejects Trump, Says Island Chooses Denmark

Denmark Engages US for Talks on Greenland's Future

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-17

 

 

I wonder how this thread will go? "I may do that" and no actual nations mentioned. This is simply Trump doing what Trump does. Threatening a possibility. Fairly sure this won't stop the tirade of Trump hate that will fill the comments on this thread.

The world has mishandled Trump's Tariffs.

There is only one way to deal with a bully.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by threatening tariffs on countries opposing his ambition to annex Greenland. In a meeting at the White House, Trump suggested import taxes might be imposed on nations not supporting his plan

How is this any different from local mafia/thugs demanding 'protection money' from the local baker or bar owner, with threats against his business if he doesn't comply? It's not different of course. It's exactly the same thing.

3 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I wonder how this thread will go? "I may do that" and no actual nations mentioned. This is simply Trump doing what Trump does. Threatening a possibility. Fairly sure this won't stop the tirade of Trump hate that will fill the comments on this thread.

What’s not to hate?

4 hours ago, dinsdale said:

This is simply Trump doing what Trump does.

Yes. Threatening a possibility. It's called a 'bully pulpit'.

7 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I wonder how this thread will go? "I may do that" and no actual nations mentioned. This is simply Trump doing what Trump does. Threatening a possibility. Fairly sure this won't stop the tirade of Trump hate that will fill the comments on this thread.

Here’s a clue dinsdale we Americans (the lucid ones)are getting sick and tired of having a new unvoted for tax shoved down our throats every time poor little Donnie doesn’t get his way……that’s just from a purely selfish perspective…..imagine the pain and suffering his unwanted chaos causes our erstwhile friends and allies…..some of us care about that part of this as well.

There will be an uprising at home if he puts tariffs on danishes

8 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I wonder how this thread will go? "I may do that" and no actual nations mentioned. This is simply Trump doing what Trump does. Threatening a possibility. Fairly sure this won't stop the tirade of Trump hate that will fill the comments on this thread.

You can fool all of the MAGAs all of the time.

All the MAGAs originally claimed Trump's talk of taking Greenland was "just to troll the lefties".

Intelligent people have come to accept that when Trump suggests doing something, it's a sure thing he will try to do it.

NATO should do a preemptive strike on Mar-a-Lago on a golf weekend. Kind of like when the US did a preemptive strike on enrichment facilities in Iran. Nip the virus in the bud.

If you were a conspiracy theorist you could suggest that this is one way to eventually screw up the Nato alliance and benefit Russia in Europe..........

Or is he just a complete narcissist........😒

I don't think anyone really listens to his incoherent burbling about tariffs anymore.

I said on this forum right after Trump was elected that I feared he would mess things up so badly that AOC would be elected president in 2028. And sure enough it looks like Trump's only legacy, because all of his executive orders will be reversed on day one of a new administration, is the election of someone like AOC. Happy now, Trump voters? Could have had sane, long term reconstruction of the country with someone like DeSantis.

53 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

There will be an uprising at home if he puts tariffs on danishes

I heard that, in the finest traditions, they are to be renamed "freedom buns"!

Trump certainly doesn't want to lose the sticky bun vote!

That'll teach those pesky nordics!

1 hour ago, klauskunkel said:

There will be an uprising at home if he puts tariffs on danishes

The toddler in chief doing the only thing he knows: bully and threaten. When is the EU going to stand up to this wannabe tyrant? Like the immortal words of Sean Connery in The Untouchables:

“They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue.”

9 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I wonder how this thread will go? "I may do that" and no actual nations mentioned. This is simply Trump doing what Trump does. Threatening a possibility. Fairly sure this won't stop the tirade of Trump hate that will fill the comments on this thread.

Trumps a moron. His supporters must be too for supporting for all the damage he’s doing mainly to America. He’s made China and their stable peaceful leadership look good. The world is laughing at America, he accepted a Nobel Prize someone else got. He’s clearly got mental health problems!

1 minute ago, Brettoj said:

China and their stable peaceful leadership look good.

🤣

1 hour ago, Tug said:

Here’s a clue dinsdale we Americans (the lucid ones)are getting sick and tired of having a new unvoted for tax shoved down our throats every time poor little Donnie doesn’t get his way…

direct voter approval of taxes is common at the state and local levels, federal tax decisions are made by elected representatives rather than through direct popular vote.

13 minutes ago, rudi49jr said:

The toddler in chief doing the only thing he knows: bully and threaten. When is the EU going to stand up to this wannabe tyrant? Like the immortal words of Sean Connery in The Untouchables:

“They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue.”

Sooooo you are advocating violence? So awesome.

13 minutes ago, Brettoj said:

The world is laughing at America, he accepted a Nobel Prize someone else got. He’s clearly got mental health problems!

That had to be one of the cringiest moments in American history. What sort of person grins and preens over being given someone else's prize?

21 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Sooooo you are advocating violence? So awesome.

Yes, that is exactly what I’m advocating. Not.

Don’t take everything so literally. I was clearly speaking metaphorically.

If Russia teamed up with the rest of Europe it would create a massive economic block . That would not be in the interest of the US that's why the US continues to drive a wedge between them. The US needs to stay in NATO so they can keep this up. So threatening to boot Trump out of NATO should keep them out of Greenland.

54 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

🤣

Compared to what the Moron in charge of America is showing! You can trust the Chinese more than the Americans at the moment!

.

10 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I wonder how this thread will go? "I may do that" and no actual nations mentioned. This is simply Trump doing what Trump does. Threatening a possibility. Fairly sure this won't stop the tirade of Trump hate that will fill the comments on this thread.

More like, more of your daft Trump protectionism, which is cringeworthy.....🙄

11 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I wonder how this thread will go? "I may do that" and no actual nations mentioned. This is simply Trump doing what Trump does. Threatening a possibility. Fairly sure this won't stop the tirade of Trump hate that will fill the comments on this thread.

Absolutely! And why stop at Greenland? Our leader should also take Norway, then let’s see those ingrates deny him his Nobel Prize.

What a spectacular nincompoop, the nonsense from this circus clown just never stops, and it seems to get worse and worse every day.

If he could only hear himself and how ridiculous he sounds, and if he could only understand how the world is laughing at him, making fun of him, and mocking him relentlessly. He is truly drunk with his power and this nonsense must stop.

12 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I wonder how this thread will go? "I may do that" and no actual nations mentioned. This is simply Trump doing what Trump does. Threatening a possibility. Fairly sure this won't stop the tirade of Trump hate that will fill the comments on this thread.

What's not to hate........

He incited an insurrection against the government

Mismanaged a pandemic that killed nearly half a million Americans

Separated children from their families, and lost those children in the bureaucracy

Tear-gassed peaceful protesters on Lafayette Square so he could hold a photo op holding a Bible in front of a church

Got impeached, got impeached again

Had the worst jobs record of any president in modern history

Fired the FBI director for investigating his ties to Russia

Bragged about firing the FBI director on TV

Took Vladimir Putin’s word over the US intelligence community

Diverted military funding to build his wall

Caused the longest government shutdown in US history

Called Black Lives Matter a “symbol of hate"

Lied 30,000 times

Ejected reporters from the White House briefing room who asked tough questions

Vetoed the defense funding bill because it renamed military bases named for Confederate soldiers

Increased the national debt by nearly $8 trillion

Had three of the highest annual trade deficits in U.S. history

Called veterans and soldiers who died in combat losers and suckers

Coddled the leader of Saudi Arabia after he ordered the execution and dismembering of a US-based journalist

Refused to concede the 2020 election

Hired his unqualified daughter and son-in-law to work in the White House

Walked out of an interview with Lesley Stahl

Called neo-Nazis “very fine people”

Abandoned our allies the Kurds to Turkey

Pushed through massive tax cuts for the wealthiest but balked at helping working Americans

Incited anti-lockdown protestors in several states at the height of the pandemic

Withdrew the US from the Paris climate accords

Withdrew the US from the Iranian nuclear deal

Withdrew the US from the Trans Pacific Partnership which was designed to block China’s advances

Failed to reiterate US commitment to defending NATO allies

Called Haiti and African nations “<deleted>hole” countries

Called the city of Baltimore the “worst in the nation"

Forced his Cabinet members to praise him publicly like some cult leader

Believed he should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

Berated and belittled his hand-picked Attorney General when he recused himself from the Russia probe

Suggested the US should buy Greenland

Colluded with Mitch McConnell to push through federal judges and two Supreme Court justices after supporting efforts to prevent his predecessor from appointing judges

Repeatedly called the media “enemies of the people"

Claimed that if we tested fewer people for COVID we’d have fewer cases

2 hours ago, Brettoj said:

Compared to what the Moron in charge of America is showing! You can trust the Chinese more than the Americans at the moment!

I absolutely despise the CCP and don't trust them for a nanosecond, however Trump's nonsense has been so unlimited that I am starting to feel like I need to support China more and more, and do everything I can to avoid any support for the US right now, and I say that as an American who is utterly embarrassed to have such a nitwit as our so called leader.

Trump is just plain stupid Tariffs on his takeover which means best part of the world, does he not realize U.S. importers pay tariffs directly to the U.S. government, but they often pass those costs to U.S. consumers via higher prices,

3 hours ago, blaze master said:

Sooooo you are advocating violence? So awesome.

If it illuminates you know who - I do!